Paris

The city of Paris is both one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world, and close by, with ferries and the Eurostar regularly crossing the English Channel to get there. In fact, if you go via the Eurostar, it goes directly from London to Paris in just over an hour. There’s so much to see across the city as well, including both the well-known touristy places, and some more hidden, and less crowded, attractions.

The Eiffel Tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel, a well-known French engineer and architect. He designed many other famous landmarks and buildings across the world, but none rival this 300.65 metre marvel. The view from the tower, many say, is the highlight of their stay, and if you’re willing to walk up 710 steps, it’s pretty cheap too, though this does mean you can only go to the second of 3 levels. If you’re looking for a similar experience to the Eiffel Tower, with a fraction of the tourist crowds, then I would recommend the Arc de Triumph, which also gives a view you won’t forget, but if you want the full Paris experience, then a quick trip to the Eiffel Tower is a must.

Paris is also known for its religious background, with famous cites like the Sacre-Coeur and Notre Dame Cathedral. The Sacre-Coeur basilica, is slightly further from the centre, and is found at the summit of the Butte Montmartre, a steep hill on the northern side of Paris, while the latter of the two is right in the centre of the map, with its home on a small, but pretty island along the Seine River. Both are affiliated with the Catholic Church, and the Notre Dame also has fame from the book, and later Disney film ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’.

Some of the artier areas of Paris are slightly further from the centre. If you’re a fan of the hit Baz Luhrmann film, then why not veer of slightly from the Sacre-Coeur to see the Moulin Rouge itself, on which the story is based. There are also hundreds of pretty parks around the capital, which get quieter and more serene the further you go from the centre. Around these sorts of areas, you can find some nice antique markets. Those for books are particularly good, though only if you have good enough French skills to read them afterwards! Of course the biggest tourist attraction for art-lovers is probably la Louvre, which houses thousands of pieces from a variety of different art styles, including the famous Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinci. There is also the large glass pyramid outside, which may be familiar from postcards or films.

Paris, known as the City of Love, is of course also home to many romantic attractions. So if, in the future, you go with a loved one, be sure to take a scenic walk along the Seine towards the Eiffel Tower. If you get to the tower in the evening, it lights up, and also sparkles for 5 minutes every hour, making for a fantastic sight. Along your walk you might also stop at the Pont De l’Archeveche Bridge, where you can be one of thousands to place a love-lock on the bridge with your loved one. Once it’s locked on, you then throw the key into the river as a sign of your undying love. There are now so many locks that some of the railings have had to be replaced.

This city is at the top of the list when it comes to beauty and romance, but I really do think there’s something for everyone, so if you’re lucky enough to be planning a holiday any time soon, Paris is definitely a destination to consider. Au revoir!!!